Confused about total sets

[cardiodan]

When I was introduced to training by a friend,
we use to do , say, 20 sets for chest.

Today, I don't feel I get a good workout unless I do 20-25 sets for chest, all to failure.

I have good size, much bigger than average.
However, many ppl suggest something to me that sound ridiculous , such as 4 sets for biceps.

Im thus confused.
How many sets are we supposed to train with?
I know to each his own. OK.

That's why Im even more confused.
If you could tell me what works for you, or what you know, thatd be great.
IM open to suggestions.

Thanks
Cardio

[OH REALLY]

i think that 4 sets for bic is ok if you do back first but if you do arms separate i like to do at least 7 sets but don't forget that Tris are 75% of the arm

[GT2]

IMO 20+ sets for chest is way too much.

If you do 3 heavy sets of bench, followed by 3 heavy sets of incline, you should already be a wreck. Throw in an extra 3 heavy sets of flyes, and 3 sets of weighted dips, and if you aren't ready to pass out you are not training with nearly enough intensity.

Since biceps are such a small muscle, I don't see why more than 6 sets is necessary. Remember, when you hit chest and back, the secondary muscles which get worked are your bi's, tri's, and shoulders.

If you are going heavy, balls to the wall, are using heavy weights and STILL have enough energy to do countless sets, something is very wrong with your training, or you are lying.

[cardiodan]

IMO 20+ sets for chest is way too much.

If you do 3 heavy sets of bench, followed by 3 heavy sets of incline, you should already be a wreck. Throw in an extra 3 heavy sets of flyes, and 3 sets of weighted dips, and if you aren't ready to pass out you are not training with nearly enough intensity.

Since biceps are such a small muscle, I don't see why more than 6 sets is necessary. Remember, when you hit chest and back, the secondary muscles which get worked are your bi's, tri's, and shoulders.

If you are going heavy, balls to the wall, are using heavy weights and STILL have enough energy to do countless sets, something is very wrong with your training, or you are lying.

Thanks man.
Ill try to reassess my training

[Older lifter]

A lot is what you are looking for in the way of building muscle. After many years i have found the the following works really well for me..

Chest 9-12 sets (reps change pending exercise from 6-8 to 8-10)
Arms (bi's and tri's) 6 - 9 sets (again reps change from 6-8 to 8-10)
Legs 12 sets (not including calves) same rep range as above
Back 12-15 sets, reps as above
Shoulders 12 sets (3 sets working the rota's)

I train heavy at the moment reaching failure on the heavest 1st set and dropping weight just enouth to fail in the rep range with each set. I rest 2-3 mins and the days workout last 45mins - 1 hr

I am getting one of the best workouts i have ever got from this program and get good training ache.

Just my opinion on what i have found and enjoy, note; i change everything every 1-1.5 months and the shocking continues.

[j4ever41]

how many days a week you guys work a bodypart?

[Flex-Appeal]

less sets, higher intensity, keep work out to 45-60 min

[Flex-Appeal]

how many days a week you guys work a bodypart?

[j4ever41]

was not trying to hijack but thankyou for being so gracious in pointing it out.